Honey Health Benefits

Medicinal history of honey dates back to ancient times, honey has been a major ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years. Amazing health benefits and hidden nutrient value made honey popular across the world. Medicinal property of honey depends on the floral source where bees feed and forage for nectar. Modern scientific research confirms worth of this ancient food, here is a brief note on major honey health benefits.

 

Honey is Anti-bacterial and Antiseptic

Clinical studies show hydrogen peroxide holds against all sorts of microorganisms, naturally occurring enzymes present in honey facilitate the production of hydrogen peroxide, which makes honey anti-bacterial and antiseptic. In conventional medicine, honey used to treat cuts and burns, low PH level and high osmolarity of honey prevents bacterial growth and proven to be effective against common infecting bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginous. Anti-bacterial property of honey primarily depends on the quality of nectar collected from the floral source.

 

Reduce cough and throat infections
A persistent cough can be quite irritating especially in social life, honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat and cough. this nutritious demulcent  knew to be as effective as dextromethorphan (a common cough suppressant ingredient). Honey and lemon combo is an excellent traditional remedy for dry coughs. 
             According to Mayo Clinic, In a study conducted for children of age 2 and above with upper respiratory tract infections, 2 teaspoons of honey before bedtime helped to improve sleep and reduced cough. This honey remedy is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age due to high risk of botulism.

 

Regulate blood sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener made simple sugars such as glucose and fructose, the nature of chemical bonding and presence starchy fiber dextrin makes honey a better option than table sugar. Natural enzymes in honey help to break sucrose into glucose and fructose which is easily absorbed by the body.Honey has low glycemic index, which means a gradual infusion of sugars into the bloodstream, hence the use of honey helps to regulate the blood sugar level.

 

Inhibit cancer and heart diseases
Flavonoids and antioxidants present in honey cut back certain cancers and improve heart conditions.

 

Prevent ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases
Analysis shows that honey remedy might reduce ulcers,gum diseases,and gastrointestinal infections.

 

Heal wounds and burns

Honey is an excellent antibiotic, external use of honey over wounds and burns shows a similar effect as conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. The soothing effect of this high viscous liquid and antibacterial properties makes honey a primary ingredient in ayurvedic medicines.

 

Honey scalp treatment

Honey aided treatment has a promising effect on skin and scalp problems. In a study presented in European Journal of Medical Research about the effect of honey on dermatitis and dandruff treatment states that external application of diluted honey over problem areas of the scalp and leaving it for 3 hours before washing with warm water reduced itching and scaling within a week. treatment relieved lesions in 2 weeks and no further hair loss found. People continued the treatment did not suffer from relapse even after 6 months.

 

Honey improves digestion

Regular intake of honey improves the metabolism and digestion, honey widely used in treating diseases like constipation, kidney stones, bloating, ulcers, toothaches, diarrhea, sore throat and hepatitis. Probiotic bacteria present in honey such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli helps in digestion.

 

Honey is a natural energy booster 

Glucose and fructose contribute to the major share of this vitamins and minerals rich food, the natural enzymes come from honey bees separates sucrose into glucose and fructose, this glucose is easily absorbed by body act as an instant energy boost during a heavy workout and  slowly absorbed fructose  provide sustained energy.

 

Honey is safer than sugar

During the manufacturing process, the amino acids, enzymes, protein, vitamins, nitrogen elements,minerals and anti-oxidants in the sugar cane are lost, whereas honey, on the other hand, a natural sweetener mostly used in raw state retains all its inherent nutrients. Table sugar also lacks in starchy fiber dextrin. In addition to in it, honey also possess anti-bacterial properties.